Impact
The American Heart Association of Greater Philadelphia is dedicated to advancing cardiovascular health and promoting health equity across the region. Our work focuses on addressing the social determinants of health, improving access to care and empowering communities through education, advocacy and strategic partnerships.
Philadelphia City Council Approves $500,000 To Improve Access to Healthy Foods
Far too many Philadelphians lack access to healthy foods, while food insecurity has increased during the past three years. Over 980,000 Philadelphians live in an area of an overabundance of unhealthy foods. According to a report published by Feeding America, more than 30% of children are food insecure in Philadelphia. A healthy diet and lifestyle are the keys to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease.
That is why The Food Trust, American Heart Association and community organizations partnered to advocate for funding of Philly Food Bucks in the Philadelphia fiscal year 2026 budget.
Philly Food Bucks, a nutrition incentive program for shoppers who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), simultaneously increases the consumption of produce and stimulates local economies by unlocking demand for fruits and vegetables.
Philadelphia Unites to Combat High Blood Pressure at Penn Medicine Learning Collaborative
Over 40 healthcare professionals, community leaders and public health advocates gathered recently at Penn Medicine for the Edward S. Cooper M.D. Learning Collaborative, an inaugural event focused on addressing the high prevalence of high blood pressure in Philadelphia.
Hosted by Penn Medicine and the Greater Philadelphia American Heart Association, the event is part of the ongoing “Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure” initiative – particularly in West in Southwest Philadelphia. This three-year effort aims to reduce disparities in hypertension care and outcomes in communities of color through evidence-based interventions and community engagement.
Teaming up one self-measured blood pressure program at a time
West Philadelphia’s Spectrum Health Services recently launched its Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) program as part of the Team Up to Take Down High Blood Pressure initiative, a collaboration of the American Heart Association and Penn Medicine. The collaboration aims to address the high prevalence of hypertension in West and Southwest Philadelphia over the next three years by working with clinical and community partners to implement evidence-based interventions.
An SMBP program enables patients to monitor their blood pressure at home and share the readings with their healthcare providers. This program aids in earlier diagnosis and management of hypertension, increases patient engagement and improves blood pressure control.
American Heart Association and Jefferson Health Host Hands-Only CPR Kiosk Showcase at Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man Center”
In a collaborative effort to enhance youth health and community well-being, the American Heart Association (AHA), Jefferson Health and Philadelphia Youth Basketball (PYB) are proud to announce the installation of a Hands-Only CPR Kiosk at the Alan Horwitz “Sixth Man” Center. The unveiling event on February 13th coincided with the observance of Heart Month and emphasized the importance of empowering youth with life-saving skills.
The event featured insights from Kenny Holdsman, co-founder and CEO of PYB; Keith Leaphart, DO, MBA, executive vice president and Humana chief health equity and community impact officer at Jefferson; and Jeffrey Salvatore, vice president of community impact, American Heart Association of Greater Philadelphia. During the event, Salvatore also conducted live demonstrations using the kiosk, providing attendees with hands-on exposure to Hands-Only CPR training.
Heart Month: Addressing Heart Health in Philadelphia
On Tuesday, February 4, the American Heart Association hosted its first ever “Heart Month at City Hall” Day in Philadelphia. Throughout the morning, advocates met with Philadelphia Councilmembers and their staff. During these meetings, advocates reiterated that heart disease is the leading cause of death in Philadelphia, 1/3 of adults are affected by high blood pressure. They also shared their own personal stories about why they are involved with the American Heart Association.
During the meetings, advocates emphasized policy solutions to address these needs. They highlighted the importance of funding for nutrition incentive programs like Philly Food Bucks, innovative initiatives to remove barriers to Self-Monitored Blood Pressure (SMBP) machines and how legislation to ensure healthier children’s meals would make healthier options easier for families.